Without a doubt, one of Craig's favorite times of the year is the first full week in April, and one of his favorite places is Augusta, GA. It's like Christmas morning, but it lasts an entire week. The way he talks about this place is unlike anything else. Well, this year, I finally had the privilege to see Augusta National Golf Course for myself and through his eyes. It was beautiful, especially being there on Monday before the course was trampled on all week. (Sadly, I don't think our pictures will do this place justice, but I hope you enjoy them none the less.)
I don't think I've ever been anywhere that the men's restroom has a longer line than the women's, and I know that I've never seen men enjoy shopping any more than they do in the Masters gift shop. I've never seen more men carry bags full of merchandise with genuine smiles and excitement on their faces than I did on Monday. Oh, what a sight! It is a tradition unlike any other.
Hole 13 Azalea
From tee to green there are approximately 1,600 azaleas
The property was once called Fruitland Nurseries and imported numerous trees and plants, many of which still remain on the golf course today. My main purpose for the day was to see the golf course. Yes, I wanted to see some golfers, but I didn't want to follow the big names. We started the day on the practice tee and then went to the gift shop. Next, we walked the entire 18 hole course stopping here and there to catch glimpses of some of the greatest golfers. You knew when one of the greats was coming because of the crowds. We also saw the Par 3 course, Magnolia Lane, the front entrance of the club, and most everything else we were allowed to see.
Thanks to my cousin, Cody and his wife Amanda, we had a free place to stay. They live in Evans, GA, which was only 15 minutes from Augusta National. The crazy thing is if you went to Augusta to see the club or the course you would miss it. They have high hedges all around the perimeter. The entrance on Magnolia Lane is guarded so strictly that they don't let people take pictures. Thanks Cody and Amanda for being our hosts. We had so much fun!
Rory McIlroy
Adam Scott
Ben Crenshaw
Bubba Watson
Brandt Snedeker
2015 Masters Champion
Jordan Spieth
Just a few pictures of some of the great golfers we saw playing and practicing. I was disappointed that Phil Mickelson was not there on Monday, but other than him we saw most all of the golfers who competed in the tournament.
It was an exhausting day, but the weather was perfect. The course was beautiful, and the company couldn't be beat. Thanks Masters lottery for the tickets, Cody & Amanda for the housing, and all the grandparents for keeping sweet M so we could share a tradition unlike any other.
